It’s ‘summer’, at least in theory, so what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than feasting over freshly prepared BBQ food on the Hoxton rooftop of The Macbeth + drinks, good music & beautiful people. Afternoon indulgence will be followed by a serene selection of live music and poetry talent on the main stage of the venue. See below for the full scoop. Our soiree shares the same date with the Olympics Closing Ceremony, but fret not, we’ll be done 2 hours prior to that, leaving plenty of time to Usain Bolt to the nearest TV.

►JAY NORTON
This month’s show will be Headlined by Jay Norton, who you may have seen giving a spine-tingling rendition of Aloe Blacc’s ‘I Need A dollar’ on BBC 1’s top talent show The Voice. Liverpudlian Jay has also been seen on SBTV.co.uk, racking up tens and thousands of video views for his Acoustic 64 sessions, covers and original material across YouTube.http://www.youtube.com/JAYNORTON13

► KERSHA BAILEY
Coined as the ‘future queen’ of UK Soul/Jazz, Kersha Bailey is hailed as ‘a major new talent’ by the specialist music press and ‘one to watch in 2012’. She has been featured in Time Out, RWD Magazine, Radio 1, 1Xtra, NME online, and was shortlisted as one of top 7 UK artists who should be shortlisted for MTV Brand New for 2012. Kersha Bailey’s aim is to hone her art, to have international success and for her music to reach a wide audience – to touch those who fans of REAL MUSIC. She is also playing Hackney Weekend. http://youtube.com/kershabailey

►MISPHITS
Indie-hip hop pair Misphits are an exciting new addition to our line up! Quintessentially London, the dynamic duo have been famed for their enthralling live performances on the Underground, Central Line. Having just completed a sold out event at Ronnie Scott’s, their Writer’s Block performance comes ahead of their highly anticipated debut single. http://twitter.com/Misphits

►DESTA HAILE
English-Eritrean singer songwriter born in Bangkok, Desta has travelled through, lived in, studied or worked in over 50 countries. As backing vocalist for artists like Joe Bataan, Finley Quaye, Baloji, Zap Mama, and Michael Bublé and as lead singer with her own multicultural soul & funk band “The Elements”, she has collaborated with a colourful spectrum of people. http://destahaile.com/

First show of the year! A fresh crop of almost entirely new talent for your listening pleasure. You’re welcome. x

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► Deanna Rodger::One of the most enthralling poets on the scene, Deanna makes a much welcomed return to Writer’s Block this month. A UK poetry slam champion, poetry workshop student turned facilitator and powerhouse performer, Deanna is a weighted force. Comprehensively put: “Her poems take listeners on a journey, much of the time, they don’t realise that they are on; meaning is disguised through specific words used, semantic fields and imagery- so listen carefully. She speaks HER truth no one else’s”.

► Ellie Lawson:: Ellie first pricked our ears on SBTV.co.uk ‘s A64 series with her gorgeous acoustic rendition of quick-witted tune, ‘Why?’. An independent Folk-Pop Singer Songwriter, Ellie released her debut album exclusively with Barnes and Noble bookshops in the USA after an appearance and stamp of approval on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Ellie’s recent projects include a Dance album and a new acoustic EP ‘Lost Without You’.

► Mr Disfit::In the history of popular music, the most successful twosomes have been those who have said what the people were feeling and said it in the loudest voice. Wanting to add themselves to the list of outspoken greats is Mr.DisFit. Mixing gospel-tinged vocals, chunky guitars and an introspective lyrical content this twosome have concocted a definitive debut effort that promises to leave listeners rocking to the rhythms of their recklessness.With their forthcoming release ‘The Line’ set for a mid-2012 release, Mr.DisFit intend to cement their position amongst the leaders of a new generation of self-sufficient artists, writing, producing and composing their own material, and doing so at their own pace.

► Ego-Ella May::19-year-old singer and self taught guitarist Ego-Ella May, has already been tipped by Soul legend Omar as one to watch and we can see why. Her distinct vocals and atmospheric production caused much excitement when her songs landed in our inbox. Citing neo-soul and jazz as musical influences, Ego-Ella boasts a rich, mature sound coupled with playful experimentalism.

► Paul Raj ::An exciting new musician hailing from South East London, Brit School Alumni Paul has a keen ear for music and velvety vocals likely to leave you transfixed. Unabashedly conveying vulnerability, with classic melodies paying homage to the great soul singers of times past, Paul offers a smooth, tender touch to the Writer’s Block show.

► Favour::Favour was initiated into music artistry as one-half of the formidable grime duo, Surrender. Since going it alone, this North Londoner is often heralded for his hard-hitting delivery and conscious rhymes. Priding himself on his lyrical integrity, Favour was a standout performer when we recently witnessed his live show. We like, and hope you will too.

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P L U S:

► Short Film screening from Filmmaker Yemi Bamiro and poetry video screening from Dean Atta.

► Food available!

• • • E N T R Y • • •

.:: £5 before 8.30pm, £7 thereafter. Artists have individual guest lists, or pay on the door::.

::T O M O R R O W::

The anticipated poetry album launch of Dean Atta‘s ‘Missing Piece ‘ is upon us. If you’re in or around London tomorrow, do stop by at the address above. Introspective rhymes laced with eclectic beats makes for an album that’s smooth, while remaining candid. Best of all, it’s freeee.

You remember the post we did about The Remedies band? Well, now they’re back, with their live music event, backed by this 5 piece ensemble. ‘Remedy’, has now moved to The Rhythm Factory, Aldgate East, London.

The line up for the June 17th show includes:

Dean Atta

Ed Sheeran

Kanaa Ellie

XO Man

Not forgetting Sharika Medla and Wilson (who I basically couldn’t find videos for, so…y’know). The night will be hosted by the effervescent presenter that is Aissetou.

So April marks !ONE YEAR! since the very first Writer’s Block creative expression event.
In celebration of this beautiful milestone, we bring you more of what has made Writer’s Block such a success- unapologetic spoken word, soulful live music and thought-provoking short films.

On top of that we’ve injected some more creative juices to intensify the Writer’s Block 12th April Anniversary experience. So expect visually stimulating Live Art (That’s right, watch a painted masterpiece being created from start to finish), enjoy some theatrics with an emotive Monologue by a professional actor and prepare for a creative celebration like never before.

What better time to celebrate newness than Easter Sunday? Remember the next day is a BANK HOLIDAY.

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SUN 12TH APRIL
[Easter Sunday]
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• • • IN B R E I F • • •

If you haven’t sampled Writer’s Block before think: vibrant spoken word, emotive, intimate live music and saliva-conjuring short films. It’s a space to be unrestricted, to laugh, to get angry or get sexy. It’s your space, so come and own it and open up your live show experience.